The Waddle family are a class act in this town. They not only made Waddles a household name in Stumptown, they also created the Taco House chain. Nobody in this town can beat them at that game. I have known Nate Waddle for many years and he runs a terrific operation. His Father Gene Waddle opened Waddles at Jantzen Beach on the day that World War 2 ended in 1945. Mr Waddle hired one of the most famous architect's in the world, Pietro Balucci to help design the restaurant. The signage was very famous as you made the gateway to Vancouver from Portland at Jantzen Beach. I miss the old school servers and the chicken fried steak with fries & gravy....Not to mention the best milk shakes ever created in Stumpcity. I can still recall the car service that made the likes of Waddles & Yaw's famous. Today the location has become a Hooters. How sad is that? I would rather consume Dog food. The Waddles Bell Burger was stellar also....It all keeps rushing back.
Loved Waddles, almost grew up in that restaurant
Posted by: Marty | April 28, 2009 at 08:59 PM
Burgers in a basket at Waddles served at my Dads 55 chev window. Why can't we bring those times back. I remember a lady that worked there over 35 years (maybe longer?)
Posted by: PDX7 | April 28, 2009 at 11:06 PM
Yep ate there a few times over the years, but I was a transplant only moving to the area 25 years ago.
Steven & Jane Waddle recently opened Duck Tales Kitchen in Vancouver, keeping up the family tradition. http://www.ducktaleskitchen.com/
Posted by: withanhdammit | April 05, 2010 at 09:05 PM
Thanks for this info on The Waddles keeping the dream alive. I contacted them via email to follow up with a story on them for The Stump.
Posted by: Mr Stump | April 05, 2010 at 10:12 PM